Organic clothing is gaining popularity day-by-day. It offers more benefits than traditionally grown cotton. So, why not go organic and buy some eco-friendly organic clothing? Here are some facts on organic clothing that will help you make the switch.
The biggest difference between organic and conventional farming is that organic farming takes a sensitive approach to well-being of the environment, the people involved in production and the people who are going to use organic products.
While conventional farming is more aimed towards profit, and due to which many toxic chemicals use is involved that harm the environment and people who are involved in the production. Due to this, organic farming products are more safe to use.
In organic farming, there is no use of any chemical based pesticides or fertilizers. Things are kept as natural as possible in organic farming. Manure is used to fertilize the plants. While in conventional farming, there are around 450 pesticides which are permitted for use, and many of them are toxic to humans and environment.
In organic farming, there is no use of herbicides, but safe methods like crop rotation and hand weeding are used. So, basically organic products, especially 100% organic products are safe and more natural, and don't cause any health problems.
Facts on Organic Clothing
Here are some important facts on organic clothing and materials like organic cotton, silk, hemp, and dyes used in organic clothing industry.
✓ With more and more people becoming aware about organic clothing and the benefits of organic clothing, the sales of organic clothing are growing at a rate of 11% and higher every year.
✓ In conventional cotton farming, toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers are used. Cotton makes the second most pesticide loaded crop in the world. It accounts to 25% use of pesticide in the world.
Also, it is one of the most mass produced, so imagine the chemicals released in the environment. But, in organic cotton farming ladybugs are used to control pests and good quality pest-resistant crop variety is used.
✓ Today, the apparel industry sells 100% organically grown cotton garments or blended garments which have both organic and conventionally grown cotton.
✓ Organic cotton costs double to that of conventionally produced cotton. This is because a fair share of profit is earned by the laborers. Also, growing organic cotton involves more hard work.
✓ Silk is an expensive, soft, and natural fiber. It is made from the cocoon of the silkworm. This natural fiber is another great choice of organic clothing. But, make sure you buy only organically produced silk, as labor exploitation is a major issue related to silk production.
✓ Hemp is getting popular everyday. This is easy to grow crop as it is a natural insecticide. Also, it can yield more than cotton. You can order online or find hemp fabric in stores.
✓ Did you know that in California state, cotton is ranking third responsible for pesticide related diseases?
✓ Organic wool is pesticide free, while conventionally obtained wool is laden with pesticide and other harmful chemicals. Also, organic wool is friendly to skin.
✓ One problem associated with organic clothing is that colored dyes are sometimes used and they are still toxic. Hence, there is more research going on developing organic dyes. A safe way to avoid this is to buy 100% natural clothing and organic cotton, silk, or hemp clothes which are available in their original and natural color.
So, take a step to being more environment friendly, and consider buying more organic clothing. As these clothes tend to be expensive you don't have to buy everything in one go, buy one garment at a time, and slowly your entire wardrobe will be full of organic clothing.